Untitled [Parnell Baths]

1957

James Turkington

Accessible

Type

  • Mural
  • Mosaic

Medium

  • Glass

Dimensions

  • 2 x W15000 x H2760mm

James Turkington, ‘Parnell Baths’ (1957), Judges Bay, Parnell, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Image: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021

Description

This mural was commissioned as part of the design of the Parnell Pools by the City Architect, T.K. Donner, for the Auckland City Council.

Constructed as 8 panels, this mural is made of Vitrolite (glass chip) mosaic. Imagery is divided to indicate the men's (left) and women's (right) changing rooms. On the left 4 males are depicted swimming, playing, spear fishing etc (1 panel missing), while on the right 4 females are depicted swimming.

The mural was refurbished along with pool and building c.2002.

In 2023, while the Parnell Pools were closed due to slip damage from the heavy February rains, the mural was substantially damaged by graffiti.